The Best Board Games for Couples to Play Together in 2025

While there are many fantastic two-player board games available, board games designed specifically for couples merit their own special category. Many two-player games fall into intense categories like war board games or abstract strategy games, which may not appeal to every couple. Additionally, these games can be highly competitive, which might not be ideal for all couples unless both partners are particularly forgiving. Therefore, we've curated a selection of the best board games that strike a balance between competition and cooperation, blending luck and strategy to help you find the perfect game to enjoy together. If you're still searching for a Valentine's Day date idea, these board games for couples are a wonderful starting point.

TL;DR: These are the best board games for couples

### Race to the Raft

1See it at Amazon### Sky Team: Prepare for Landing

1See it at Amazon### The Search for Lost Species

1See it at Amazon### Fog of Love

1See it at Amazon### Patchwork

1See it at Amazon### Codenames: Duet

1See it at Amazon### The Adventures of Robin Hood

1See it at Amazon### Hive

1See it at Amazon### Onitama

0See it at Amazon### Five Tribes

0See it at Amazon### The Fox in the Forest

0See it at Amazon### 7 Wonders: Duel

0See it at Amazon### Schotten Totten 2

0See it at Amazon### Splendor: Duel

0See it at Amazon### Sea Salt & Paper

0See it at Amazon### Dorfromantik: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonEditor's Note: While all the games listed are ideal for two players, some can accommodate up to four players. If you're looking for a game that's perfect for both game night with friends and intimate couple time, be sure to check the player count listed below each game.

Race to the Raft

### Race to the Raft

1See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 1-4Playtime: 40-60 minsYou might recall the movement puzzle games that were popular in the early days of the internet; they're the predecessors to this vibrant and engaging board game about guiding finicky cats to safety. Each cat will only travel over one color of terrain, and it's up to you to work together to build a path for them to reach a raft before a blazing fire cuts them off. The challenge is heightened by the random nature of the terrain cards you draw, the risk of blocking another cat's route with each move, and limited communication rules that might lead to some amusing meows to convey your strategies. Both challenging and hilarious, the game offers over 80 scenarios of increasing difficulty.

Sky Team: Prepare for Landing

### Sky Team: Prepare for Landing

1See it at AmazonAge Range: 14+Players: 2Playtime: 20 minsWhat better way to express love than by taking a flight together to an exotic destination? In Sky Team, you play as the pilot and co-pilot, working together to land the plane. It's much harder than it sounds: each player has their own pool of dice and set of instruments to manage using the dice results. Some tasks require balancing the values provided by each player, made even trickier by the rule that prohibits discussing strategy during the placement phase. This rule helps avoid arguments when the dice pool runs low, the plane tilts dangerously, and there's a queue of air traffic waiting for the runway.

The Search for Lost Species

### The Search for Lost Species

1See it at AmazonAge Range: 13+Players: 1-4Playtime: 60-75 minsWith an engaging theme and a dynamic puzzle element, this app-driven game has players racing to map the ecology of an island and discover a long-lost animal. Beneath its appealing skin lies a logic puzzle of fiendish complexity. Each animal on the island has rules dictating where it lives, some fixed and some variable, revealed by the app as the players conduct research. Players use these rules and clues from their island exploration to figure out which hexes hold which species and to narrow down the location of the mysterious beast. It's complex but quick to play once mastered, with every game offering a fresh puzzle thanks to the app. You can even collaborate against the app, although you'll need to share one playing piece.

If you want a more in-depth look at gameplay for this entry, check out my hands-on review of The Search for the Lost Species.

Fog of Love

### Fog of Love

1See it at AmazonAge Range: 17+Players: 2Playtime: 1-2 hrsStarting our list with a game designed to tell the story of a couple in a relationship, Fog of Love isn't about your relationship but one you create between two fictitious characters. Though the visuals may hint at traditional gender roles, it's inclusive of same-sex relationships. Each player receives a mix of secret traits and destinies, then navigates through scenes, making choices that affect the outcome based on those traits. As an experimental game, there's no traditional winner, but you'll find success in enjoying a fascinating journey through an imagined relationship.

Patchwork

### Patchwork

1See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 2Playtime: 30 minsPatchwork excels because it's a simple yet clever combination of several game mechanics in one compact package. Players purchase geometric pieces with buttons to create a quilt with as few gaps as possible. Each purchase advances you on a time track, occasionally earning extra buttons or useful single-square patches. The player at the back of the time track always takes the next turn, allowing for strategic moves like planning for consecutive turns or outmaneuvering your opponent for a crucial patch. This game is gently addictive and engaging, no wonder it has won numerous awards and nominations.

Codenames Duet

### Codenames: Duet

1See it at AmazonAge Range: 15+Players: 2+Playtime: 15 minsThe original Codenames was a breakout hit in the party game scene, where players laid out a grid of word cards and one player per team gave single-word clues to connect multiple words. Codenames: Duet refines this for two players into a sleek cooperative game. Now, you work together to find fifteen clues before time runs out. With both players taking turns giving clues, downtime is minimized, bringing the fun of party games to your intimate setting.

Duet is just one of many Codenames spin-offs available, offering various options if you enjoy this version.

The Adventures of Robin Hood

### The Adventures of Robin Hood

1See it at AmazonAge Range: 10+Players: 2-4Playtime: 60 minsUnlike other games on this list, The Adventures of Robin Hood is a narrative-driven game where you retell the legend of the famous outlaw across nine scenarios. It introduces innovative ideas, such as tracking progress across the map with a long base on your wooden piece, staying in shadows to avoid guards. The board functions like an advent calendar, with hundreds of numbered pieces to lift and flip, creating a dynamic world explored via the included book. Can you and your partner collaborate to save Nottingham from the evil Sheriff before Guy of Gisborne catches you?

Hive

### Hive

1See it at AmazonAge Range: 9+Players: 2Playtime: 20 minsPlayed with chunky plastic hexes, Hive may make your skin crawl with its insect theme, but it will also challenge your mind with its complex strategies. Each player has a Queen hex, and the goal is to surround your opponent's Queen with your pieces. Four other insect types, each with unique movement rules, must be strategically used to achieve this. With only eleven tiles per player and the Hive needing to remain a single cluster, the game is easy to set up and play but difficult to master due to the intricate movement interactions.

Onitama

### Onitama

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 10+Players: 2Playtime: 10 minsOnitama maximizes the potential of a simple concept. Played on a grid, each player starts with a master pawn and five students. Moving onto an opponent's piece removes it, and victory is achieved by capturing the enemy master or moving your master to the opposite end. The twist is that legal moves for pieces are determined by a random card draw, offering two choices per turn. The card you select is discarded and replaced, creating a dynamic interplay of strategy and anticipation as you plan moves amidst ever-changing options.

If you like the gameplay mechanics of Onitama, make sure you check out more picks from our list of the best dueling board games.

Five Tribes

### Five Tribes

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 14+Players: 2-4Playtime: 40-80 minsInspired by the classic game Mancala, Five Tribes translates the concept into a modern strategy game on a grid of tiles. Each turn involves picking up multiple color pieces and dropping them, with the final tile determining your actions. The altered board state then sets up possibilities for the next player, turning each turn into a strategic puzzle. An auction determines the first player, adding another layer of strategy. With two players, you can double your turns, allowing for combo setups.

The Fox in the Forest

### The Fox in the Forest

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 10+Players: 2Playtime: 30 minsIf you've played traditional trick-taking games like Whist, you might doubt their effectiveness with just two players. Yet, The Fox in the Forest proves otherwise with its three-suit deck where even-numbered cards function like standard cards, but odd-numbered ones have special powers. For instance, the 3-value Fox changes the trump suit, and the 9-value Witch is always a trump. The scoring system rewards winning either the majority or minority of tricks, making it challenging to maintain a lead. Fast, fun, and innovative, The Fox in the Forest offers a fresh take on trick-taking games.

7 Wonders: Duel

### 7 Wonders: Duel

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 10+Players: 2Playtime: 30 minsAlthough the original 7 Wonders was a massive success, this two-player version is often considered superior. The core concept involves drafting cards to create point-scoring sets representing aspects of an ancient civilization. Unlike the original's pick-and-pass method, 7 Wonders: Duel uses a pyramid of overlapping cards, most starting face-down and becoming available only when the cards above them are taken. This introduces a timing element, where you balance taking the best cards with giving your opponent more options.

Schotten Totten

### Schotten Totten 2

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 2Playtime: 20 minsA classic since 1999, Schotten Totten remains relevant today. The game involves battling over nine stones by creating Poker-style three-card combos on your side, one card at a time. This creates tension as your opponent guesses your intended meld while you hope to draw the right cards. Strategy is key, as in Poker, with probabilities and an additional deck of special power tactics cards to mix things up. Plus, the amusing cartoon art on the cards can be used to play a different game called Lost Cities.

Splendor: Duel

### Splendor: Duel

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 10+Players: 2Playtime: 30 minsWhile the original Splendor was already excellent with two players, Splendor: Duel feels tailored for couples. The refinements enhance the core gameplay, where you're master jewelers crafting masterpieces for noble clients, boosting your purchasing power. In this version, you select raw gems from a board with placement rules, compete across three victory conditions, and utilize a range of special effects to vary your strategy. This creates a delightful two-player experience, perfect for playing with your significant other.

Sea Salt & Paper

### Sea Salt & Paper

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 2-4Playtime: 30-45 minsThis abstract card game from designer Bruno Cathala combines classic gameplay elements into a simple yet engaging package. Each turn, you draw a card either randomly from the deck or face-up from the discard pile, aiming to build sets for points. Certain card pairs can be played for special effects like taking extra cards or stealing from an opponent, though this reveals some of your points. The game ends when players decide to stop, risking their points for a potential winning combo. Ideal for couples, this game also features unique origami artwork.

Dorfromantik: The Board Game

### Dorfromantik: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 1-6Playtime: 30-60 minsDorfromantik, the video game, was known for its relaxing puzzle nature, allowing players to build their rural utopia hex by hex. The board game adaptation maintains this vibe, with players working together to complete groups of similar terrain features before the tile pile runs out. It includes a captivating campaign mode that adds new content through a tree of reveals, opening little boxes with each new element. Sharing these discoveries with a partner adds an extra layer of enjoyment before moving on to the next tile-laying adventure.

If you want a more in-depth look at this game, you can check out my review of Dorfromantik: The Board Game for additional details.